Somerset

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Somerset's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4,242 people. This figure represents an increase of 175 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,067. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,229 in June 2024 and the addition of 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer. Somerset's 4.3% population growth since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA3 area (4.1%), indicating it as a region with notable growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.1% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 357 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 179 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Somerset according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Somerset has received approximately 12 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 60 homes. As of FY-26, 3 dwellings have been approved so far. Each dwelling built in Somerset between FY-21 and FY-25 has led to an average of 2.7 new residents annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $294,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $554,000 have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Somerset has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below the national average, likely due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Somerset consists of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 473 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Somerset may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Somerset has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region: Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and Marinus Link. The following details those most relevant.

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Employment performance in Somerset has been broadly consistent with national averages

Somerset has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 3.4% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.6%. There are 1,976 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower than the state average at 52.6%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Major industries for Somerset residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a strong specialization in mining, with an employment share 3.2 times higher than the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 8.4%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 6.6%, while labour force grew by 6.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows TAS employment contracted by 0.35% (losing 2,010 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.1%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%, and national employment growth is 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Somerset's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Somerset SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,921 and an average of $58,506. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Tas., meanwhile, had a median of $47,358 and an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Somerset would be approximately $56,825 (median) and $66,597 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Somerset all fall between the 7th and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.7% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, compared to metropolitan trends where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Somerset is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Somerset's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Tas., meanwhile, had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerset was recorded at 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented dwellings at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,192, while the median weekly rent figure was $240. Nationally, Somerset's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Somerset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Somerset has 32 active public transport stops. All are bus stops. There are 86 different routes serving these stops.

Together, they facilitate 9,720 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 241 meters. On average, there are 1,388 daily trips across all routes. This amounts to approximately 303 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Somerset is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Somerset faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (around 2,082 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.6%). Conversely, 58.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 60.3% in Rest of Tas.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6% (1,128 people), compared to the state average of 24.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Somerset placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Somerset had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Somerset, accounting for 43.1% of people, compared to 41.9% across Rest of Tas.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.8%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were slightly overrepresented at 5.7%, Dutch at 1.5%, and Welsh at 0.5%.

Somerset hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Somerset has a median age of 48, which is higher than the Rest of Tasmania's figure of 45 and above the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 16.2% of Somerset's population, compared to the Rest of Tasmania, while the 35-44 cohort represents 9.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 55-64 age group has increased from 15.3% to 16.2%, and the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Somerset's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 161 people (43%), from 376 to 538. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for all of Somerset's population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.